Jinghong River Promenade: Take A Night Walk along Mekong

#traveldiaries The Lancang River (Mekong) originates in the northeast of Tanggula Mountain in Qinghai Province, China. It flows through Tibet and Yunnan provinces. After leaving the border of China, it is called the Mekong River. It flows through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and finally into the South China Sea in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is the largest international river in Southeast Asia.The total length of the main stream of the Lancang River is 4,880 kilometers, and the total catchment area of the watershed is 810,000 square kilometers. Among them, the length of the main stream in China is 2,161 kilometers, and the catchment area is 167,487 square kilometers. The Lancang River has a flow of 158 kilometers in Xishuangbanna and is the common mother river of the people of Xishuangbanna. In the ancient Dai language, it is called Nanlan Palm, which means the river where millions of elephants breed. The natural scenery along the Lancang River is beautiful, with different seasons. In spring, the river is clear and green; in summer, the river is sparkling and the rainforest is vibrant; in autumn, the river is golden and the rice is fragrant; in winter, the river flows slowly, as quiet as a mirror.The Grand Canyon of the Lancang River is a major spectacular spot in Xishuangbanna. The mountains on both sides of the river are steep, the rocks are lined, and the rivers rush between the canyons, forming a magnificent landscape. Mekong is not only a natural river, but also a cultural river.The watershed area is a multi-ethnic agglomeration area. There are 16 ethnic minorities such as the Dai, Bai, Buyi, and Yi in the Yunnan basin alone. The customs, lifestyles, and religious beliefs of each ethnic group have their own characteristics and are integrated with the local natural environment.Visitors can feel the rich Dai style here, taste authentic Dai cuisine, and enjoy the traditional Dai song and dance performances. The Lancang River or Mekong is a pearl of Xishuangbanna, attracting countless tourists both in terms of natural scenery and cultural heritage.Visitors can choose to start from Jinghong and go up against the water to the tiger jumping stone to feel the surging of the river and the changing scenery on both sides. They can also take a boat from Jinghong and pass through the olive Dam to the junction of the three kingdoms of China, Laos and Myanmar. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the rainforest and the tranquility and peace of the Dai villages.